Description
This Easy Shepherd’s Pie is a classic British comfort food featuring a savory ground lamb or beef filling with mixed vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. Perfect for a hearty family dinner that’s both simple and satisfying.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb (or beef for cottage pie)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Mashed Potato Topping
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Boil peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the assembled pie.
- Cook the Base Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Brown the Meat: Add ground lamb or beef to the skillet, cooking until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add Flavorings and Vegetables: Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, dried thyme, frozen mixed vegetables, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assemble the Pie: Transfer the cooked meat and vegetable filling into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Mashed Potatoes: Spread the creamy mashed potatoes evenly over the filling layer. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top if desired.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Notes
- For authentic Shepherd’s Pie, use ground lamb; using beef makes it a cottage pie.
- Broil the top for 2–3 minutes after baking if you want an extra golden and crispy mashed potato crust.
- You can swap frozen mixed vegetables with fresh diced carrots, peas, and corn.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
